I have mapped user experience in the past and read other literature on the subject. However, this is the first time I have read Mapping Experience, even though it is more or less considered a reference work in this field. All the greater, unfortunately, was my disappointment after the last few pages.

In my opinion, mapping experience seems more complicated by this book than it really is. Which is due in no small part to the structure and length of the book. Instead of breaking the subject down to the essential common features, explaining step by step using an example, and then explaining variations, this book sometimes resembles a rather aimless wandering. Yes, the book contains a large number of examples. But I think that especially for beginners, this variety is overwhelming. Particularly since this multiplicity brings in each case its own terminology with itself, in order to separate allegedly completely different procedures. All in all, however, only unnecessary noise is generated. Thus, chapters 10 to 14, which are supposed to present the primary maps and diagrams in detail, focus on related variations rather than the actual topic. Quite apart from the fact that one chapter is by far not sufficient to explain Mental Model Diagrams or rather the method behind them sufficiently. Whether or not they are even up to date is another issue.

Furthermore, I found the increasing marketing for the company MURAL, where the author has been working for quite some time, a bit too intrusive.

Not factored into the rating is the awful format of the printed book. Presumably the editor wanted to ensure that the maps and diagrams were as large as possible; however, at the same time, it provides a terrible reading experience combined with the thin paper. Please next time in portrait format and rotate the maps and diagrams 90 degrees.

For those who want to get a clearer picture on mapping user experiences, I recommend the book “Collaborative Product Design” by Austin Govella.